Fishing near the shore...A team effort...Another cultural experience...

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There were at least eight fishermen in this boat as they arrived at the shore. A few arrived on foot and by motorbike shortly after they began the process. Before coming to shore, they threw the nets from the boat into the ocean, spreading them out as much as they could. Once they arrived at the shore, they grabbed the ropes attached to the netting to extend the nets as far as possible. The white items shown in the above photo are floats attached to the nets.

"Sightings on the Beach in Bali"﻿

As we watched the fisherman manning their nets, we noticed this thing in the background. It turned out to be a part of a tree with trash hanging. We called it a "trash tree."

It continues to amaze us how we can spend the better part of each day watching for activity on the beach. Its almost an endless stream of sightings we've rarely, if ever, seen in other parts of the world.Certainly, it helps that we're so close to the shore. At high tide, we only need to walk about 21 feet, 7 meters, to dip our toes into the water. Unfortunately, we don't always have the camera at our side as we move from spot to spot outdoors to get out of the sun as the day wears on.﻿
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They commenced the process of pulling the huge net ashore.

In the mornings, after our walk, we lounge on the chaises on the veranda which is shady in the mornings. Once the sun hits that area, we swim and exercise in the pool. In order to dry off and get our daily dose of Vitamin D, we each do about 20 minutes in the sun. With my recent injury I haven't been able to flip over so easily so I'm tan only on the front. Oh well, who cares?Between 2 and 3 pm, we wander over to the covered cabana where I usually read aloud a few chapters in a book we're sharing at the time. Reading aloud has always been enjoyable and we share many articles, newsletters and news stories by reading aloud to one another several times each day.﻿

Each man had to hold tight to haul the net into the shore.

As we lounge in the cabana, we usually have the camera with us. In the early mornings and during this period under the cabana we're able to spot the most exciting of activities on the beach.A few days ago we captured today's photos of local fisherman dealing with the nets and subsequent catch. It further reminded us of how much fishing in Bali and, in other parts of the world, is conducted from the shore where certain types of fish are found in somewhat toxic waters. ﻿
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The boat with one outriggers stayed in shallow enough water preventing it from drifting out to sea.

these types of fish we must avoid for the potential of causing bacterial infections our immune systems may not be able to fend off. For this reason we now avoid consuming any fish other than large tuna.Lately, with rough seas, the usual barrage of fishing boats we previously had seen lit up at night haven't been out. Plus, the recent holidays in Bali may have kept some of the fisherman from heading out overnight to fish halfway between Sumbersari and Java.﻿

In this photo we counted 10 fishermen.

Today's photos of this group of fishermen appeared determined to leave with a decent shore catch. Seeing how committed they are to the process and how much work they do, reminds us of the work ethic of the Balinese people.Catching fish for their families is also a part of daily life for many fishermen as well as for earning a living. Gede explained that many collectives of local fisherman ship considerable amounts of their catches overseas. ﻿

Our photos were taken in succession of the activities. At this point, it appeared they were managing the last edge of the net where the fish would be located.

In certain countries imported fish is often frozen and periodically inspected for bacteria and its safety for consumption. Before purchasing imported frozen fish, it may be wise to investigate its source, the type of fish, where and when its been caught and the packing and freezing dates. We can't ever be too cautious.We've discovered by the larger fish while fresh (not frozen), smelling it for freshness and cooking it promptly has prevented us from any fish related health issues. For us, we've chosen not to consume any farmed fish.﻿
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We spotted a few young boys attempting to help. Most likely, this is how they learn this vital means of food and income as they mature.

Worldwide, the most important fish species used in fish farming are carp, tilapia, salmon and catfish. Its easy to read the label identifying if fish is farmed in many countries but we've found that many markets don't include the identity of the source of the fish. There are literally millions of webpages with information of fish farming that may apply to your purchasing options. Many don't find it matters to them whether fish is farmed or fresh caught fish. That's entirely a personal choice. ﻿
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We couldn't zoom in close enough to see that they'd caught but with the green cool box nearby it appeared they'd caught something.

For us, far removed from good medical care in many locations, and working hard to maintain our health to the best of our ability, we lean toward a more cautious scenario. Only you can make the appropriate choice for you and you family when purchasing imported and farmed fish.As for these fisherman, they are doing the very best they can to provide food and income for their families. We commend them and appreciate their diligence and commitment. The Balinese people continue to amaze us in their hard work and self sufficiency as we often observe while peering out at the beach, day after day.﻿

The large basket, shown near the center of this photo, is used to carry their equipment.

May you have a productive day!

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Photo from one year ago today, September 17, 2015:

Pineapple growing in the yard in Fiji, one year ago. Click here for details.